How to Fix a Misaligned Door Lock

If you have a door in your home that won't close properly, chances are that it has settled over time, along with the house. If the door has become misaligned, and the latch doesn't match up with the hole in the strike plate, follow these steps to solve the problem:

Step 1: Tighten/Replace Hinge Screws

Just the weight of the door and the swinging action over time can cause the hinge screws to work slightly loose. You might even be able to wiggle the door a little when it’s open and feel or see the loose hinges moving.

Begin by carefully tightening all of the screws on both the door and jamb side, starting at the top and working down. It’s best to use a handheld screwdriver rather than a drill/driver since you want to have a feel for how loose or tight each screw is as you go. Plus, you don’t want to risk overtightening and stripping a screw hole.

Pro Tip: A short screw only holds onto the jamb, while a longer screw will bite further into the framing behind it. Replacing at least the top screw in each hinge with a longer one provides more long-term strength. It also helps make the door more secure, even if no screws are stripped right now.

If the hinges were particularly loose, tightening alone might bring the door back into alignment so it closes and bolts properly. Either way, making sure the screws are tight and secure is an important first step before moving on.

(Tightening the hinges at the bottom of the door with a screwdriver will move the lock down a hair. Raise the lock by tightening the hinges at the top of the door. Tightening all the hinges may do the trick if the misalignment is minor.)

Step 2: Locate and Mark the Interference on the Deadbolt Lock

If the problem still persists, it’s time to identify exactly where the strike plate is interfering with the insertion of the deadbolt lock.

First, extend the deadbolt fully with the door open. Next, smear any clean substance on the end of the bolt which is capable of leaving a mark you can see on the strike plate. (Be sure to cover the end completely including the edges.) In my case, I’m using white thread sealer. You could also use almost any opaque paste that’ll clean up easily like caulking, zinc oxide sunblock, lipstick, or even peanut butter.

Retract the bolt back into the door and close it normally without applying extra force. Now, turn the bolt firmly a couple of times so the bolt hits the obstruction, then open the door.

Examine the strike plate, and there should now be a mark left where the bolt was hitting. It’s this area that we’ll need to enlarge so the bolt has clearance to close properly.

Step 3: Enlarge the Strike Plate Opening as Needed

Using a hand file, make repeated and even strokes inward until the area covered by the mark is removed. You can now close the door and check again, making any adjustments as necessary until the bolt passes easily. Then, clean up the marking substance when done.

Pro Tip: Rather than a hand file, a burr file bit for your drill will be much quicker and easier. Alternatively, if you already own a Dremel-style rotary tool, you may be able to use it with appropriate grinding or filing bits to get the job done.

If the deadbolt lock is getting hung up on wood rather than metal, you’ll need to file or chisel out some of the offending wood. Is the strike plate also in the way? It may be easier to remove it and chisel or file the jamb first, before filing down the strike plate as above once it’s screwed back in place.

Additional Precautions and Tips for Deadbolt Locks

Remember that your door is only as strong as its greatest physical weakness, and that’s the doorjamb at the point where the deadbolt enters (learn more about door parts). With security in mind, there’s often a beefy strike plate surrounding the opening, but that alone isn’t always enough.

Similar to the hinges, if short screws are used, the strike plate is only being fastened to the jamb. With longer screws, it’s fastened through the jamb to the framing behind it.

So, while you’ve got the longer screws, take the opportunity to replace the short ones on the strike plate and make your door more secure. If the plate itself is flimsy, damaged, or missing, it too can be replaced with a new security strike plate.